If you're making a video for your YouTube channel (and if you're reading this, we’ll assume you are), then you already know how important it is to pick the right soundtrack. But be careful—it's not always easy. Not every track fits, and not all music is cleared for use.
Not Every Track Works
A lot of creators make the mistake of picking the wrong music. The result? Soundtracks that clash with the content, lower the overall quality, or distract viewers from what really matters.
Some common examples:
• An interview drowned out by a loud electronic track competing with the speaker.
• A peaceful nature scene spoiled by a reggaeton beat in the background.
• A short loop repeated 25 times until it drives the viewer crazy.
In the first example, remember that music should support and enhance—not steal the spotlight. When your video includes dialogue or key messaging, go for subtle, ambient tracks with no jarring transitions or vocals.
If your content is voice-driven—like a podcast, vlog, or interview—don’t overpower it. Use soft background music that enhances the tone but stays out of the way. Avoid vocal tracks completely; layering multiple voices often sounds messy and unprofessional.
In the second example, the music style must match the content. A classical score might elevate a documentary about Versailles, but would feel totally off in a streetwear promo.
Similarly, a slow piano piece probably won’t energize your audience in a high-intensity workout video.
And remember, music doesn’t have to play the entire time. In fact, silence—or moments with no music at all—can be powerful. Don’t feel like you need to run a track from beginning to end. Sometimes, less really is more.
When using short clips or loops, stick to transitions, intros, outros, or branding moments. Avoid looping a 10-second piece endlessly—it gets repetitive fast.
No matter what track you choose, sound quality matters. Use only high-quality audio files, preferably WAV or 320kbps MP3s. Stay away from tracks with background noise, pops, clicks, or poor mic quality.
Also, pay attention to how your music fades in and out—abrupt starts and stops can feel jarring. And of course, make sure the volume is well-balanced with your other audio.
Not All Music Is Free to Use
Love Bruno Mars? Great. But if YouTube detects you’re using one of his songs without permission, your video could be taken down—even if you're not monetizing it.
The solution? Use royalty-free or copyright-free music.
But be careful—“copyright-free” doesn’t mean the music has no owner. These tracks still have composers and rights holders. It just means they’re not managed by organizations like ASCAP, BMI, SGAE, or GEMA, and often require a one-time fee—or none at all—for legal use.
Public domain music can be another great option, though it usually means older works, often classical. Even then, be cautious: while The Magic Flute by Mozart is public domain, a modern recording of it might not be. For full legal use, you may need a version recorded 50 to 100 years ago, depending on your country’s laws.
Today, there are plenty of platforms offering royalty-free music. Most are paid, but some offer great quality for free.
Others use Creative Commons licenses, which can get confusing:
• CC BY-ND – Attribution required, no derivative works
• CC BY-NC – Free for non-commercial use only
• CC BY-NC-SA – Non-commercial use, must share alike and give credit
• CC BY-NC-ND – Most restrictive: no commercial use, no edits, attribution required
It’s a maze of licenses, each with its own rules.
That’s why sticking to copyright-free music is often the safest and simplest option for YouTube content.
Free Music Collection – No Copyright, No Hassle
Below, you’ll find a handpicked collection of royalty-free and copyright-free tracks—available for both commercial and personal use. Download them in high-quality MP3 format and use them as often as you like, worldwide, forever.
Each track includes recommended use cases, ideal video types, and things to avoid. You’ll find a wide range of styles and lengths—perfect for intros, trailers, ads, product showcases, kids’ videos, fitness content, documentaries, and more.
